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Federal NDP, Liberals shaken by Quebec shooting

Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois is whisked off stage as she delivered her victory speech in Tuesday, Que. September 4, 2012. With the win, Marois becomes the first female premier in Quebec history. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

ST. John’s, NL. — The return of Parliament this fall will mark the beginning of a “two-year countdown” for the NDP which plans to be ready to form government one year before Canadians are poised to return to the polls in 2015, Leader Tom Mulcair told his team Wednesday.

“It’s the fall of 2012 and we’re heading into this fall session ready to take on a very tough adversary in Ottawa, stand up for the things we’ve always worked so hard for in our political careers — a fairer Canada, a better Canada for everyone,” he said in his opening remarks to caucus during a strategy session in Newfoundland.

“By fall 2014, we have to be completely ready to take on the Conservatives in the next election.”

The session, however, began with a moment of silence and expressions of condolence for the victims of a late-night shooting at the election victory party for Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois.

One person was killed and another seriously injured after a man opened fire shortly after Marois’s pro-sovereignty party won a minority in the Quebec election.

“We’re all in a state of shock over what happened last night in Montreal at the Metropolis,” Mulcair said.

“Our first thoughts are with the victims and their families and those who are close to them. We’re going to let the police do their work before commenting any further on these tragic events.”

New Democrats, some clearly emotional, trickled into the first of several strategy sessions aimed at mapping out the fall parliamentary session, with heavy hearts over the shooting. But they were coy when asked about the impact of a PQ government on Canadian politics and national unity.

“It was a long electoral evening but not for the reason that we thought and it’s really hard this morning,” said a distraught Quebec MP Alexandre Boulerice.

“I think when democracy speaks, everybody wins and we can rejoice but when weapons speak, we see to what point life is fragile and democracy can also be fragile.”

Most said they were prepared to work with whomever Quebecers elected but reserved further comment until after hearing from Mulcair.

Longtime Newfoundland MP Jack Harris said the outcome of the Quebec election was “no real surprise” but that he’s “encouraged” that the level of support for separation is “at a very, very low ebb” and appears to have been so throughout the campaign.

Asked what Stephen Harper should do when Marois comes to Ottawa seeking more powers for Quebec, New Brunswick MP Yvon Godin said the prime minister could start by actually meeting with provincial premiers when they ask to speak with him.

With a record 58 seats in Quebec, New Democrats have become the voice of Quebecers at the federal level.

Federal Liberals, who are holding a caucus meeting of their own this week, were also stunned at Tuesday night’s violence.

“This thing is a touch awakening for many Canadians who have realized we’ve lost a little bit of perhaps our innocence,” said Liberal Mp Justin Trudeau.

“We have to remind ourselves, and every politician is on the same page on this, that violence has no place in our political discourse, and a man with a gun will never have a voice in our Canadian political discourse.”

“Certainly Quebecers and Quebec voted for change, which gives us an opportunity to thank Jean Charest for 28 years of service to both his province and his country, which he did with ability and with passion. But now as we move forward, we’re going to have a National Assembly that will have a lot conversations as it tries to pull together all Quebeckers. As our premier-elect said last night, she’s going to be the premier for all Quebeckers, and I’m going to take her at her word.”

“I think it’s clear that Quebeckers are worried, like everyone is, about the stability of our economy, about the services that our citizens and our families need.”

Trudeau said, “This morning I had the tough task of waking up my wife to tell her what had happened last night.”

“Every politician in this country is now thinking about security in a way that we haven’t before. But I think it’s important for us all to remember that we cannot be hijacked in our desire to serve by someone with a gun.”

I cover justice, immigration and public safety issues as part of the Postmedia News politics team. I also keep tabs on what the official Opposition — the NDP — is up to in the House of Commons.
Before... read more coming here I spent several years in Montreal and Toronto with The Canadian Press covering provincial politics and major crime and court stories. I also helped cover the war in Afghanistan from inside and outside the wire.
I previously worked for the Ottawa Sun chasing crime stories and following convicts through the court system.
I love the unpredictability of my job and believe the opportunity to help document history as it unfolds is an awesome privilege that never ceases to give me chills.
I'm also thrilled to be back in Ottawa — my home town.
When not working, I love playing soccer, snowboarding, hitting up a live rock/blues/soul/funk show, indulging in my favourite microbrew with friends or hanging out with my three (not so little anymore) sisters!View author's profile